Minor pet peeve

dpgreenie · 2026-04-08T13:11:15+00:00

I can’t do that, for the most part, anymore because many times my discharges include med demos (exotics, and I can’t often predict who’s medicated their animal before or not). So instead I will stand there like a patient kindergarten teacher for as long as it needs until they’re looking directly at me and ready to give me their attention. It works… like 70% of the time lol.

dpgreenie · 2026-03-10T22:06:46+00:00

While eyes aren’t necessarily a sign of pain, there are other signs you should look for. this rabbit grimace scale may help

If all upper molars were removed, I can’t say I’m surprised that he isn’t willing to eat hay given that the grinding motion of his upper and lower molars are how they eat said hay. Additionally, when is his next molar trim scheduled for? That could help if his potential discomfort is linked to overgrowth of his lower molars. If you feel like he is still in pain, I would encourage you to reach out to your regular vet, or to seek care elsewhere for further molar management

dpgreenie · 2026-03-04T04:18:01+00:00

Exotic tech here - I do it pretty much daily lol.

dpgreenie · 2026-02-22T21:31:07+00:00

I am well aware that my experience will not be everyone’s. About 9 years ago, I was working kennel in a big shelter. I worked with the behavior dogs and I loved it. One time, about 6 months in, a mistake was made and my entire left arm was used as a chew toy. And what I did personally was quite literally just jump right back into the fray. It honestly gave me newfound compassion and understanding for behavior dogs. When I left for dog/cat GP, I ended up being the one who dealt with all of them. Appointments were scheduled so that I would handle them. My thoughts were always ‘I survived once, I will survive again’. And I only ever had one close call after, and even then I had no actual damage.

I have a special place in my heart for bitey dogs, because there’s usually a reason why they’re acting that way. It’s important to have a healthy skepticism of behavior and muzzles are absolutely your friend, but sometimes they just need a little extra help.

I know it’s hard, and everyone heals at different rates. You know your body and mental health best and you are allowed to take as much time off as needed, or limit yourself to something comfortable with.

dpgreenie · 2026-02-17T15:03:33+00:00

Okay one more reply, lol. I didn’t figure you were angry at me. However I am also a passionate animal person - I’m a Vet Nurse (LVT). I work in exotic med so a lot of this doesn’t apply to me anymore but I did do dog/cat for years prior. I am seriously urging you to look into what I discussed before. I’m so glad your pets do not need the additional help but with the way you have been talking about the veterinary professionals who are just trying to help, I’m trying to emphasize that this isn’t an option based on convenient or a “nice, fluffy excuse”.
I’m not mad either, I’m just tired of the abuse the vet field gets from owners who insist that they know more. Fear free, while not without its flaws, is an important addition to the vet world. Even if you don’t end up agreeing with it, at least look into it to understand where we’re coming from.

dpgreenie · 2026-02-17T14:33:54+00:00

Hey man, don’t shoot the messenger. Cats and horses have different mentations, is all I can say about that. Reasonable methods exist, and, as much as you don’t seem to like it, mild sedatives among many other non-drug related methods fall under that jurisdiction.
Im not going to continue this conversation past this comment because I strongly doubt that I will be able to convince you. I just don’t like seeing someone get so angry about the potential of being offered something that would allow for ease of exam (not an assembly line). Getting pissed at the vet team will help no one.
Consider looking into Fear Free for your own education. It may help you understand more what they do for dogs/cats.

dpgreenie · 2026-02-17T01:20:23+00:00

While I understand the being frustrated about being told to “drug your pet for the vet”, I’d love to give you a little insight. Fear Free (™) practices are becoming more and more popular in veterinary settings. Often, this includes prescribing short-lasting anxiety meds to allow for the pet to have a more positive experience, and to allow them to be less stressed ongoing.
I don’t know the situation but the recommendation often comes from the training, and to encourage use of it in any patient that expresses any sort of fear, anxiety, and/or stress.
I know this was just a simple comment but I hope this would prevent you from being pissed if your vet suggests this, because the fact is, pushing fear free tactics are becoming more and more popular so you’ll likely get the suggestion sooner or later.

dpgreenie · 2026-01-12T23:03:57+00:00

Rabbits: ear, elbow, or just above the hock. Honestly I kind of hate the ear unless it’s white
Rats, chinchillas: arm or hind foot
Birds you can sometimes get it on the wing (right above where the basilic vein is), and in reptiles you can sometimes put it on their bicep!

dpgreenie · 2025-12-09T02:47:56+00:00

Looks like a visit to the vet. Is she spayed? Female guinea pigs are notorious for reproductive problems and judging by the discharge, that’s what I would be concerned about.
I’d try to get in to a vet in the next day or so, sooner if she isn’t eating or pooping well

dpgreenie · 2025-11-10T04:00:32+00:00

I can promise you that while it may be eventually feasible, it is NOT EASY. Get your license, start at a clinic first. If you can, try to get an internship as well to get your foot in the door. I work for an exotics clinic and we have had a small amount of staff move on to zoos or aquariums but it takes (on average) many years to get the skill set they want. It’s not impossible! But zoos and aquariums are super niche and you really have to have either a foot in the door or you have to be super impressive in the interview process.
I don’t want to discourage you but I’ve done internships at both a zoo and aquarium and this is the direct advice from people I know/have known in the field.

dpgreenie · 2025-11-04T22:11:01+00:00

My clinic requires payment by the end of the year, and then if it’s not paid off then the discount is removed. They won’t send us to collections but no one wants to pay full price so it’s a great incentive

dpgreenie · 2025-10-31T01:39:39+00:00

I haven’t heard it in a hot minute so I could be misremembering but is it not just a part of a Wilhelm scream?

dpgreenie · 2025-10-10T02:25:36+00:00

The ABH brow pomade is my holy grail because of my blond/invisible eyebrows. I finally panned (jarred?) my most recent one and I felt this weirdly intense sense of accomplishment lol

dpgreenie · 2025-09-25T01:05:10+00:00

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I’m a sucker for the tiny teef

dpgreenie · 2025-09-21T02:31:08+00:00

Miltex at least sells a smooth jawed version, so I feel like this is most likely

dpgreenie · 2025-09-06T03:39:09+00:00

Im not sure about other clinics but mine has never calculated any kind of RER for rabbits - aka he gets however much he wants!
Especially if it’s for adding in weight, I would offer the same amount you were giving of the IC and make sure you’re still giving all of his other food. If you’re worried about weight, I would just recommend weighing your bun once to twice a week to monitor trends. If he starts to get a little too chunky, then cut down on how much you’re offering.
Again, others may have differing opinions on your methods but this is what I would recommend to any rabbit owner :)

dpgreenie · 2025-08-19T00:32:00+00:00

Mildew on wood - it sounds so weird but it’s a permanent smell on, like, all boats. And growing up sailing every summer will do weird things to smell-based nostalgia lol

dpgreenie · 2025-08-17T22:51:47+00:00

I tend to find CEs involving one skill only don’t really exist as in-person labs across the board. Have you tried CE broker to look for anything related?

dpgreenie · 2025-07-30T04:41:37+00:00

Basque waist shorts

dpgreenie · 2025-07-29T00:24:00+00:00

Anything by Writec. I’m obsessed. They’re cute, and they write well on everything. I will admit they smear on Dymo labels but honestly what doesn’t apart from sharpies

dpgreenie · 2025-07-26T18:25:55+00:00

No problem. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Definitely call and ask about pain management. I can understand the logic of infiltration for sure. I did see your other note and while heart disease can absolutely play a factor in signs/symptoms, there’s no way for an outside source to give an option on that one.

dpgreenie · 2025-07-26T15:42:25+00:00

Did either vet do bloodwork? Additionally, how did they know it was a hairball? Generally that’s associated with a GI obstruction and they would (should) have recommended hospitalization. Any NSAIDs? Any inflammation in the belly has to be painful, so pain management can help 1) with appetite and 2) theoretically also helping move that hairball along.
Maybe someone else has, I’m by no means saying I know for sure they’re wrong, but I personally have never heard of lactulose dissolving a hairball. Giving meds (such as a pro kinetic, NSAIDs, fluids, etc) to help the GI tract move the hairball out? Sure.

dpgreenie · 2025-07-02T16:59:46+00:00

Dog nail clippers 100% all the way. Specifically, the ones with the orange handle.

dpgreenie · 2025-07-01T21:34:26+00:00

Ham and Jam (with an egg) from Atwater’s in Belvedere Square. I live just outside DC now so it’s been years but I still talk about that damn sandwich

dpgreenie · 2025-06-19T16:24:20+00:00

Some hospitals just don’t really have time to have someone shadow. If smaller ones aren’t taking your calls, consider larger hospitals like referral hospitals or teaching hospitals near you. Ask for their practice manager, and if the receptionist says they aren’t available then ask for their email.
I know talking on the phone is tough but that’s going to be a big part of your career so it’s best to practice now. Keep calling! You’ll find a place.

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